SABBATH SCHOOL

LESSON

Thirteenth Sabbath Offering, December 29, 1951

INTER-AMERICAN DIVISION

Fourth Quarter, 1951

Number 226

INDIVIDUAL SABBATH SCHOOL OFFERING GOAL

"As God hath prospered him"

MY WEEKLY GOAL (Check Amount)

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"God loveth a cheerful giver"

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DAILY LESSON STUDY PLEDGE

As one who greatly desires to improve his knowledge of the Scriptures, I pledge

myself to the careful and prayerful study of some portion of my Sabbath-school lesson

each day of the week.

Name

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Place a check mark in each space below for the days you have studied

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STUDY RECORD

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1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13

1ST DAY

S STUDY

2D DAY

S STUDY

3D DAY

S STUDY

4TH DAY'S STUDY

5TH DAY'S STUDY

6TH DAY

S STUDY

7TH DAY'S STUDY

"Let the Sabbath-school lesson be learned, not by a hasty glance at the lesson scrip-

ture on Sabbath morning, but by careful study for the next week on Sabbath afternoon,

with daily review or illustration during the week. Thus the lesson will become fixed in

the memory, a treasure never to be wholly lost."—"Education," pages 251, 252.

Sabbath School Lesson Quarterly, No. 226, October-December, 1951. 10 cents a single

copy, 35 cents a year, in U. S. A. i 12 cents a single copy, 45 cents a year, in Canada

and foreign countries. Published in the U. S. A. by Pacific Press Publishing Asso-

ciation (a corporation of S. D. A.), Mountain View, California. Entered as second-

class matter Oct. 13, 1904, at the post office in Mountain View, California, under the

Act of Congress of March 3, 1879. Acceptance for mailing at special rate of postage

provided for in Section 1103, Act of Oct. 3, 1917, and authorized

Sept.

18, 1918.

1951, by Pacific Press Publishing Association.

PRINTED IN THE U.S.A.

Sabbath School Lesson Quarterly

STUDIES ON CREATION AND REDEMPTION

PART II

Lesson 1, for October 6, 1951

Creation Completed: The Sabbath of Rest

MEMORY VERSE: "Thus the heavens and the earth were finished, and all

the host of them. And on the seventh day God ended His work which He had made;

and He rested on the seventh day from all His work which he had made. And God

blessed the seventh day, and sanctified it: because that in it He had rested from all

His work which God created and made." Gen. 2:1-3.

STUDY HELPS: R. E. Hoen, "The Creator and His Workshop," chapter 14;

"Patriarchs and Prophets," pages 47, 48, 111-116; "The Desire of Ages," pages 281-

289, 769; "The Great Controversy," pages 436-438, 451-460 (new ed., pp. 498-500,

515-525).

INTRODUCTION: "The importance of the Sabbath as a memorial of creation is

that it keeps ever present the true reason why worship is due to God; for the worship of

God is based upon the fact that He is the Creator, and that all other beings were

created by Him. The Sabbath, therefore, lies at the very foundation of divine worship,

for it teaches this great truth in the most impressive manner, and no other institution

does this. The true ground of divine worship, not of that on the seventh day merely,

but of all worship, is found in the distinction between the Creator and His creatures.

This great fact can never become obsolete, and must never be forgotten. To keep it in

man's mind, God gave to him the Sabbath. He received it in his innocency, and not-

withstanding the perversity of His professed people, God has preserved this sacred

institution through the entire period of man's fallen state."—J. N. Andrews, "History

of the Sabbath," 1887 ed., p. 515.

"The Sabbath is a sign of creative and redeeming power; it points to God as the

source of life and knowledge; it recalls man's primeval glory, and thus witnesses to

God's purpose to re-create us in His own image."—"Education," page 250.

DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT

I. Introduction and Ques. 1-4.



5. Read selections from "Patriarchs and

Ques. 5-8 and notes.



Prophets" and "The Desire of

Ques. 9-12 and notes.



Ages."

Read "The Creator and His Work-



6. Read selections from "The Great

shop," chapter 14.



Controversy."

7. Review entire lesson.

The Sabbath Instituted

1. What final act completed the work of creation week? Gen.

2:3.

NoTE.—Very properly may it be said that God created the Sabbath, for

as portions of the earth's substance had been fashioned by the Creator into

plants, animals, and humanity, and were by Him infused with life; and as

[ 3 ]

the rulers of the day and night were by the same Creator ordained to their

duties upon the fourth day, so also a portion of time, the seventh day, was

selected and sanctified as a memorial of the completion of the work of that

entire creation week.

From what type of activity did God rest upon the seventh day

of the creative week? Gen. 2:2; Heb. 4:3, 4.

NOTE.—"On

the seventh day God brought His work to an end on which

He had been engaged, desisting on the seventh day from all His work in

which He had been engaged. So God blessed the seventh day, and consecrated

it, because on it He had desisted from all His work, in doing which God had

brought about creation."—Gen. 2:2, 3, Smith.

"And God blessed the seventh day and sanctified it, for on it He desisted

from all His work which He had created by making."—H. C. Leupold,

Expo-

sition of Genesis,

page 103.

To rest does not necessarily signify inactivity, nor even recuperation from

exertion or activity. A lawyer rests his case when the argument has been

completed. Thus the Creator ceases His creative activities, for "the works

were finished from the foundation of the world," and He had completely

accomplished the divine plan of creation of the earth. "All was perfect,

worthy of its divine Author, and He rested, not as one weary, but as well

pleased with the fruits of His wisdom and goodness and the manifestations

of His

glory."—Patriarchs and Prophets,

page 47.

With what satisfaction did God look upon the work which

He had performed during the first six days? Gen. 1:31.

What benediction was pronounced upon the seventh day? By

what name has the day since been called? Gen. 2:3, first part; Ex.

20:11, last part.

Purpose of the Sabbath

What declaration did Jesus make concerning His relationship

to the Sabbath? How is this relationship expressed in the fourth

commandment? For whose benefit was the Sabbath made? Matt.

12:8; Ex. 20:10, first part; Mark 2:27, 28.

Of what is the Sabbath a memorial? Ex. 20:8, 11; 31:16, 17.

Nom.—"The observance of the Sabbath connects man with the origin

of his race, with the six-days creation, and with the Creator Himself. . . .

He that observes the Sabbath aright holds the history of that which it cele-

brates to be authentic, and therefore believes in the creation of the first man,

in the creation of a fair abode for man in the space of six days, in the

primeval and absolute creation of the heavens and the earth, and, as a neces-

sary antecedent to all this, in the Creator, who at the close of His latest

creative effort rested on the seventh day. The Sabbath thus becomes the

]

sign by which the believers in a historical revelation are distinguished from

those who have allowed these great facts to fade from their remembrance."—

James G. Murphy,

Commentary on the Book of Exodus,

note on Exodus

20 : 8-11.

How complete was the work of creation when the first Sab-

bath was celebrated? Gen. 2:3; Heb. 4:3, last part.

NorE.—The creation of the earth was entirely completed at the end of

the sixth day. Modern evolutionism has been built on the premise that

"all things continue as they were from the

beginning

of the creation" (2 Peter

3:4), in a continual state of developmental improvement. This principle of

uniformitarianism presumes that the past is measurable by the present, and

that the future will be of like character. Such a principle denies a Creator,

all miracles, any catastrophic destruction of the earth, and any sin or any

plan of redemption from sin. The Biblical doctrine of a

finished

creation

commemorated by the Sabbath is the strongest bulwark against such error.

Of what is the Sabbath a sign? How important is Sabbath-

keeping? Of what, then, is the Sabbath the foundation? Ezek.

20:20, 12; Ex. 31:13, 17.

NOTE.-It

is a sign of the authority of God and of His power for creation

and for sanctification, which is a re-creation. "The sign, or seal, of God is

revealed in the observance of the seventh-day Sabbath, the Lord's memorial

creation."—Testimonies,

vol. 8, p. 117.

Sabbath Observance

By what are the beginning and the end of the Sabbath.

marked? Mark 1:21, 29, 32; Luke 4:38-40; Neh. 13:19.

10.

What does the Sabbath commandment reveal concerning

God? Ex. 20:11.

NOTE. —The Sabbath commandment identifies the true God as the Crea-

tor. "Pointing to God as the maker of the heavens and the earth, it dis-

tinguishes the true God from all false gods. All who keep the seventh day,

signify by this act that they are worshipers of Jehovah. . . . The fourth

comandment is the only one of all the ten in which are found both the name

and the title of the Lawgiver. It is the only one that shows by whose

authority the law is given. Thus it contains the seal of God, affixed to His

law as evidence of its authenticity and binding

force."—Patriarchs and

Prophets,

page 307. See also

The Great Controversy,

page 452 (new ed.,

p.516).

11.

In connection with the judgment-hour message, to what

will the dwellers upon the earth have their attention called? Rev.

14:6, 7.

]

12. Although the specific creative acts were completed during

creation week, what does Jesus say regarding the continued activity

of His Father and Himself? John 5:17.

NOTE.—God constantly provides for the maintenance of life and of all the

other functions of nature. "Should God forbid the sun to perform its office

upon the Sabbath, cut off its genial rays from warming the earth and nourish-

ing vegetation? Must the system of worlds stand still through that holy

day? Should He command the brooks to stay from watering the fields and

forests, and bid the waves of the sea still their ceaseless ebbing and flowing?

Must the wheat and corn stop growing, and the ripening cluster defer its

purple bloom? Must the trees and flowers put forth no bud nor blossom on

the Sabbath? In such a case, men would miss the fruits of the earth, and

the blessings that make life desirable. Nature must continue her unvarying

course. God could not for a moment stay His hand, or man would faint

and

die."—The. Desire of Ages,

pages 206, 207.

Lesson 2, for October 13, 1951

Sabbath Activities and Blessings

MEMORY VERSE: "If thou turn away thy foot from the Sabbath, from doing

thy pleasure on My holy day; and call the Sabbath a delight, the holy of the Lord,

honorable; and shalt honor Him, not doing thine own ways, nor finding thine own

pleasure, nor speaking thine own words: then shalt thou delight thyself in the Lord;

and I will cause thee to ride upon the high places of the earth, and feed thee with the

heritage of Jacob thy father: for the mouth of the Lord hath spoken it" Isa. 58:13, 14.

STUDY HELPS: "The Creator and His Workshop," chapter 15; "Education,"

pages 250-252; "Testimonies," vol. 6, pp. 349-368; vol. 1, pp. 531-533; vol. 2, pp. 701-

705, 582-585; "The Desire of Ages," chapter 29.

INTRODUCTION: "Christ's purpose in parable teaching was in direct line with

the purpose of the Sabbath. God gave to men the memorial of His creative power,

that they might discern Him in the works of His hand. The Sabbath bids us behold

in His created works the glory of the Creator. And it was because He desired us to do

this that Jesus bound up His precious lessons with the beauty of natural things. On

the holy rest day, above all other days, we should study the messages that God has

written for us in nature. We should study the Saviour's parables where He spoke

them, in the fields and groves, under the open sky, among the grass and flowers. As we

come close to the heart of nature, Christ makes His presence real to us, and speaks to

our hearts of His peace and love."—"Christ's Object Lessons," page 25.

DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT

Introduction and Ques. 1-3.

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5. Read selection from "Testimonies,"

Ques. 4-6 and selection from "Edu-

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vol. 6.

cation."

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6. Read selection from "Testimonies,"

Ques. 7-10, and read "The Creator

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vol. 2, and "The Desire of Ages."

and His Workshop," chapter 15.

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7. Review entire lesson.

Ques. 11, 12, and selection from

"Testimonies," vol. 1.

The Sabbath, a Day of Rest

What command was given concerning the time allotted to

one's own work? How completely should such work be accom-

plished within that time? Ex. 20:9.

[ 6 ]

NOTE.

—

The

commandment is explicit in the words, "do all thy work;"

in other words, "finish your work within the six working days."

How should the Sabbath be regarded? And who should be

included in Sabbathkeeping? Ex. 20:8, 10; 23:12.

How is the day preceding the Sabbath designated? What

preparation should be made on that day? Mark 15:42; Luke 23:

54-56; Ex. 16:23.

NoTE.—"While preparation for the Sabbath is to be made all through the

week, Friday is to be the special preparation day. . . . On Friday let the

preparation for the Sabbath be completed. See that all the clothing is in

readiness and that all the cooking is done. Let the boots be blacked and the

baths be taken. It is possible to do this. If you make it a rule you can do

it."—Testimonies,

vol. 6, pp. 354, 355.

The Example of Jesus

What was the custom of Christ on the Sabbath days? Mark

1:21; Luke 4:16; 13:10.

NOTE.

—

Christ

preached not only in the synagogue, but also in the fields

and along the roadside on the way to and from the Sabbath services.

Enumerate some of the acts of healing performed by Christ

on the Sabbath. Matt. 12:9-13, 15, 22; Mark 1:23-31; Luke 6:6-10;

John 5:5-9; 9:1-7, 16.

Enumerate some of the sermons and parables given by Christ

on the Sabbath. Matt. 12:1, 9, 25-45; Luke 13:10, 18-21.

Proper Sabbath Activities

Upon what is the Sabbath blessing contingent? Isa. 58:13, 14.

NorE.—"None should feel at liberty to spend sanctified time in an unprofit-

able manner. It is displeasing to God for Sabbathkeepers to sleep during

much of the Sabbath. They dishonor their Creator in so doing, and, by their

example, say that the six days are too precious for them to spend in resting."

—Testimonies,

vol. 2, p. 704.

In what kinds of activities may Christians engage on the

Sabbath? Matt. 12:10-12; Luke 14:1-6.

NorE.—"And man also has a work to perform on this day. The neces-

sities of life must be attended to, the sick must be cared for, the wants of

the needy must be supplied. He will not be held guiltless who neglects to

[7)

relieve suffering on the Sabbath. God's holy rest day was made for man, and

acts of mercy are in perfect harmony with its intent. God does not desire

His creatures to suffer an hour's pain that may be relieved upon the Sabbath

or any other

day."—The Desire of Ages,

page 207.

What study should occupy at least a part of the Sabbath?

Ps. 92:1-5 (entitled "A Psalm or Song for the Sabbath Day").

NOTE.—"God saw that a Sabbath was essential for man, even in Paradise.

. . . He needed a Sabbath, to remind him more vividly of God, and to

awaken gratitude because all that he enjoyed and possessed came from the

beneficent hand of the Creator. God designs that the Sabbath shall direct

the minds of men to the contemplation of His created works. . . . The

Sabbath, ever pointing to Him who made them all, bids men open the great

book of nature, and trace therein the wisdom, the power, and the love of

the

Creator."—Patriarchs and Prophets,

page 48.

"As a means of intellectual training, the opportunities of the Sabbath are

invaluable. Let the Sabbath-school lesson be learned, not by a hasty glance

at the lesson scripture on Sabbath morning, but by careful study for the

next week on Sabbath afternoon, with daily review or illustration during the

week. . . . In listening to the sermon, let parents and children note the text

and the scriptures quoted, and as much as possible of the line of thought to

repeat to one another at home. This will go far toward relieving the weari-

ness with which children so often listen to a sermon, and it will cultivate in

all a habit of attention and of connected thought."—Education, pages 251,

252.

10.

What special provisions should be made for the children

and youth of God's family on the Sabbath day?

ANSWER:

"Since the Sabbath is the memorial of creative power, it is the

day above all others when we should acquaint ourselves with God through

His works. In the minds of the children the very thought of the Sabbath

should be bound up with the beauty of natural things. Happy is the family

who can go to the place of worship on the Sabbath as Jesus and His disciples

went to the synagogue,—across the fields, along the shores of the lake, or

through the groves. Happy the father and mother wbo can teach their

children God's written word with illustrations from the open pages of the

book of nature; who can gather under the green trees, in the fresh, pure

air, to study the word and to sing the praise of the Father above. By such

associations parents may bind their children to their hearts, and thus to God,

by ties' that can never be

broken."—Education,

page 251. See also

Testi-

monies, vol.

2, pp. 583, 584; vol. 6, p. 359.

Importance of Sabbath Observance

11.

Summarize the objectives of Sabbathkeeping.

The following are suggestive; others may be added:

Recognition of the true God as the Creator of all. Ex. 20:11.

Memorial of a completed creation at the close of the first literal week.

Gen. 2 :1-3.

A sign of the power of the Redeemer who sanctifies the believer. Ezek.

20 : 12.

A period of worship of God and of delight in His word. Ps. 92:1-3.

Opportunity for observation and contemplation of the creation. Ps. 92:

4, 5.

Opportunity for greater service to the sick and the needy. Matt. 12:12.

A period of physical rest and appropriate recreation. Ex. 23:12.

A test of discipleship. Isa. 58:13, 14.

12. How long will the observance of the Sabbath be continued

by God's people? Isa. 66:23.

Lesson 3, for October 20, 1951

The Dominion of Man

MEMORY

VERSE: "Thou madest him to have dominion over the works of Thy

hands; Thou hast put all things under his feet." Ps. 8:6.

STUDY HELPS: "The Creator and His Workshop," chapter 16; "Patriarchs

and

Prophets," pages 49-51 ; "Education," pages 214-222.

INTRODUCTION: "Satan, by means of his success in turning man aside

from

the path of obedience, became 'the god of this world.' The dominion that once was

Adam's, passed to the usurper. But the Son of God proposed to come to this earth to

pay the penalty of sin, and thus not only redeem man, but recover the dominion for-

feited."—"Prophets and Kings," page 682.

It was the plan of the Creator that Adam, the regent of this earth, should acquaint

himself with the creation and its laws of operation in their entirety. No branch of

learning or field of endeavor was to be unfamiliar to him. Since dominion will be part

of the employment and responsibility of the redeemed in the re-created earth, a begin-

ning should be made now toward a basic acquaintance with God's creation so that

graduation into the school of the hereafter will be accompanied with promotion to

loftier leadership under the King of the universe. God has planned the establishment

of Christian homes and schools for the purpose of providing such basic training.

DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT

I. Introduction and Ques. 1, 2.

Ques. 3-6 and notes.

Ques. 7-10 arid notes.

Ques. 11, 12, and read "The

Creator

and His Workshop," chapter 16.

Review first half of lesson and

read

selection from "Patriarchs and

Prophets."

Review last half of lesson and

read

selection from "Education."

Review entire lesson.

The Purpose of Creation

For what purposes was the earth created? Isa. 45:18; Rev.

4:11.

What were some of the objectives in the creation of man

upon the earth? Isa. 43:7; Eph. 2:10.

NorE.—"He who set the starry worlds on high,

and

tinted with delicate

skill the flowers of the field, who filled the earth and the heavens with the

( 9 l

wonders of His power, when He came to crown His glorious work, to place

one in the midst to stand as ruler of the fair earth, did not fail to create a

being worthy of the hand that gave him

life."—Patriarchs and Prophets,

page 45.

Man was created to have dominion over the earth, to serve God as His

representative, and to please his Creator.

Use of Man's Capabilities

In whose image was man created? What is one basis for

man's gratitude to God? Gen. 1:27; Eccl. 7:29; Ps. 139:14.

What was the plan of the Creator concerning man's employ-

ment? Gen. 2:15.

NOTE.—"To the dwellers in Eden was committed the care of the garden,

`to dress it and to keep it.' Their occupation was not wearisome, but pleasant

and invigorating. God appointed labor as a blessing to man, to occupy his

mind, to strengthen his body, and to develop his faculties. In mental and

physical activity, Adam found one of the highest pleasures of his holy

existence. . . . Our Creator, who understands what is for man's happiness,

appointed Adam his

work."—Patriarchs and Prophets,

page 50.

"The Garden of Eden was a representation of what God desired the whole

earth to become, and it was His purpose that, as the human family increased

in numbers, they should establish other homes and schools like the one He

had given. Thus in the course of time the whole earth might be occupied

with homes and schools where the words and works of God should be

studied, and where the students should thus be fitted more and more fully

to reflect, throughout endless ages, the light of the knowledge of His glory."

—Education,

page 22.

In what practical ways were man's mental powers early

employed? What must man do to maintain the approval of God?

Gen. 2:19, 20; 2 Tim. 2:15.

NOTE.—"The holy pair were not only children under the fatherly care of

God, but students receiving instruction from the all-wise Creator. . . . The

mysteries of the visible universe—`the wondrous works of Him who is per-

fect in knowledge'—afforded them an exhaustless source of instruction and

delight."—Patriarchs and Prophets,

pages 50, 51.

What does God expect of the recipients of talents? What is

the penalty of unfaithfulness in the development of God-given

talents? Matt. 25:14-30.

Dominion of Man in the Earth

To whom does the earth belong? Ps. 24:1; 89:11; 1 Chron.

29:11.

[ 10

How did man compare with heavenly beings? Ps. 8:4-6.

For what special place of leadership was man created? Over

what realm was he placed as ruler or overseer? Gen. 1:26, 28; Ps.

115:16; Matt. 25:34.

10.

How complete was to be man's dominion? Heb. 2:7, 8.

NOTE.—"He

was placed, as God's representative, over the lower orders of

being. They cannot understand or acknowledge the sovereignty of God, yet

they were made capable of loving and serving man." "While they remained

true to God, Adam and his companion were to bear rule over the earth.

Unlimited control was given them over every living

thing."—Patriarchs and

Prophets,

pages 45, 50.

11.

How did man fail in complying with the conditions of his

existence? Gen. 2:16, 17; 3:5, 17-19.

NOTE.—"God

placed man under law, as an indispensable condition of his

very existence. He was a subject of the divine government, and there can be

no government without law. Obedience, perfect and perpetual, was the con-

dition of eternal happiness. On this condition he was to have access to the

tree of

life."—Patriarchs and Prophets,

page 49.

12.

When, and to whom, will the dominion be restored? Micah

4:8; Rev. 5:9, 10; Matt. 5:5.

Lesson

4, for October 27, 1951

The Eden School: Principles of True Education

MEMORY VERSE: "The fear of

the

Lord is the beginning of wisdom: and the

knowledge of the holy is understanding." Prov. 9:10.

STUDY HELPS: "The Creator and His Workshop," chapter 17; "Testimonies,"

vol. 6, pp. 126-140, 152-167, 193-205; vol. 3, pp. 131-138; "Education," pages 13-50.

INTRODUCTION: In order to administer effectively the dominion over which

he was placed, it was necessary for man to have a broad acquaintance with the invari-

able principles of the realm of nature. Adam reviewed the entire creation, learned of

its characteristics and constancy of behavior, and gave a name to every living thing.

Subsequently, it was his privilege to examine all these more thoroughly, to study the

biological and physical laws under which the Creator

ordained

that they should operate,

and to explore deeply all the natural sciences. In all these, the Creator was revealed

to him in wisdom, power, majesty, and constancy. At first, God communicated with

man in person, and He would have continued to instruct personally any who sought

further explanation concerning the lessons from God's great books. God was the

teacher, the whole world was the classroom, and the great book of nature was the

textbook in the Eden school where the human pupils were to learn the ways of the

Almighty. "Wisdom spoke to the eye, and was received into the heart; for they

communed with God in His created works. : . . Nature is now marred

antrdefiled

sin. But God's object lessons are not obliterated; .even now,. rightly 'studied and inter-

preted, she speaks of•her Creator."—"Counsels to Teachers," page 186.



DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT

Introduction and Ques. 1-4.

Ques. 5-9 and notes.

Ques. 10-13 and notes.

Read "The Creator and His Work-

shop," chapter 17.

Read selections from "Testimonies,"

vol. 6.

Read from "Testimonies," vol. 3,

and "Education."

Review entire lesson.

The Eden Educational Plan

In what environment did God place man? Gen. 2:8, 15. •

NOTE.—"The

system of education instituted at the beginning of the world,

was to be a model for man throughout all aftertime. . . . The Garden of

Eden was the schoolroom, nature was the lesson book, the Creator Himself

was the instructor, and the parents of the human family were the students.

. . . In His interest for His children, our heavenly Father personally

directed their education. Often they were visited by His messengers, the holy

angels, and from them received counsel and instruction. . . . To Adam and

Eve was committed the care of the garden, 'to dress it and to keep it.'

Though rich in all that the Owner of the universe could supply, they were

not to be idle. Useful occupation was appointed them as a blessing, to

strengthen the body, to expand the mind, and to develop the character."—

Education,

pages 20,

21.

With what realms of the natural world was Adam especially

familiar? Gen. 2:9, 19, 20.

Norz.—"The book of nature, which spread its living lessons before them,

afforded an exhaustless source of instruction and delight. On every leaf of

the forest and stone of the mountains, in every shining star, in earth and sea

and sky, God's name was written. With both the animate and the inanimate

creation,—with leaf and flower and tree, and with every living creature,

from the leviathan of the waters to the mote in the sunbeam,—the dwellers

in Eden held converse, gathering from each the secrets of its life. God's

glory in the heavens, . . . 'the balancings of the clouds,' the mysteries of

light and sound, of day and night,—all were objects of study by the pupils

of earth's first school. The laws and operations of nature, and the great

principles of truth that govern the spiritual universe, were opened to their

minds by the infinite Author of all. In 'the light of the knowledge of the

glory of God,' their mental and spiritual powers developed, and they realized

the highest pleasures of their holy existence."—Education, pages 21, 22.

Compare

Patriarchs and Prophets,

pages 50, 51.

Against what kind of knowledge did God seek to guard

mankind? Gen. 2:17.

What questions were asked by Job and Elihu concerning

the character of God's teaching? What

is the proper attitude

toward the omniscient Teacher? Job 21:22; 36:2-26.

God's Lesson Books

What are some of the means by which the Creator gives

instruction? Job 12:7, 8; Rom. 1:19, 20.

NOTE.—Even to the heathen who know not the Bible, God speaks

through His created works. "There is a simplicity and purity in these les-

sons direct from nature that makes them of the highest value to others besides

the heathen. The children and youth, all classes of students, need the lessons

to be derived from this source. In itself the beauty of nature leads the soul

away from sin and worldly attractions, and toward purity, peace, and God."

"The sun, the moon, the stars, the solid rocks, the flowing stream, the broad,

restless ocean, teach lessons that all would do well to

heed."—Counsels to

Teachers,

pages 186, 190.

What is a most fundamental lesson conveyed by a study of

the natural world? Job 12:9.

NOTE. "The book of nature and the written word shed light upon each

other. They make us acquainted with God by teaching us something of the

laws through which He

works."—Education,

page 128.

What are some of the specific sources of training, and what

are some of the lessons to be learned from the things of nature that

surround us? Isa. 28:23-29; Prov. 6:6-8; Matt. 6:25-30.

From whom only is the way of salvation learned? Ps. 62:1,

2, 5-7.

By what means did Jesus acquire His education? Luke 2:40,

51, 52; Mark 1:35; 6:2, 3; John 7:15-17; Heb. 5:8.

NOTE.—"Jesus followed the divine plan of education.. . . His education

was gained directly from the Heaven-appointed sources; from useful work,

from the study of the Scriptures and of nature, and from the experiences of

life,—God's lesson books, full of instruction to all who bring to them the

willing hand, the seeing eye, and the understanding

heart."—Education;

page 77.

Education of Children and Youth

10.

How early should preparation for the training of the child

begin? Judges 13:7-14; 2 Tim. 1:5; 3:15.

11.

With what diligence were Israel's children to be instructed

in the love and laws of God? Deut. 6:4-7.

NorE.—"As fast as their minds can comprehend it, the parents should open

Wore them God's great book of nature. . . . Parents can associate God

with all His created works. . . . These lessons, imprinted upon the minds

of young children amid the pleasant, attractive scenes of nature, will not be

soon

forgotten."—Testimonies,

vol. 3, p. 137;

Fundamentals of Christian

Education,

page 21';

Counsels to Teachers,

pages 79, 80.

12. What provision for special training was made in the days

of Samuel and Elisha? 2 Kings 6:1-4.

NOTE.—"To meet this growing evil, God provided other agencies as an

aid to parents in the work of education. . . . To this end, Samuel gathered

companies of young men who were pious, intelligent, and studious. These

were called the sons of the prophets. As they studied the word and the

works of God, His life-giving power quickened the energies of mind and soul,

and the students received wisdom from

above."—Education,

page 46.

•

13. What is the basic element of all education? Prov. 3:13-18;

9:10, 11; Ps. 111:10; 119:99, 100.

NOTE.—"A thorough education, which will fit young men and women for

service, is to be given in our schools. . . . Let students advance as fast and

as far as they can; let the field of their study be as broad as their powers

can compass; but let them make God their wisdom, clinging to Him who is

infinite in knowledge, who can reveal secrets hidden for ages, and who can

solve the most difficult problems for minds that believe in Him. We com-

mend to every student the Book of books as the grandest study for human

intelligence, the book that contains the knowledge essential for this life and

for the life to come. But I do not encourage a letting down of the educational

standard in the study of the sciences. The light that has been given on this

subject is clear, and should in no case be disregarded.

"In the instruction given in our schools, the natural and the spiritual are

to be combined. The laws obeyed by the earth reveal the fact that it is

under the masterly power of an infinite God. The same principles run

through the spiritual and the natural world. . . . God is revealed in nature,

and God is revealed in His word. . . . His power is to be recognized as the

only means of redeeming the world from the degrading superstitions that are

so dishonoring to God and

man."—Counsels to Teachers,

pages 394, 395.

Lesson 5, for November 3, 1951

The Loss of the Dominion

MEMORY VERSE: "For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God."

Rom. 3:23.

STUDY HELPS: "The Creator and His Workshop," chapter 18; "Patriarchs and

Prophets," pages 52-62; "The Story of Redemption," pages 24, 27-41; "Education,"

pages 23-27.

INTRODUCTION: "Under the curse of sin, all nature was to witness to man of

the character and results of rebellion against God. When God made man, He made

him ruler over the earth and all living creatures. So long as Adam remained loyal to

Heaven, all nature was in subjection to him. But when he rebelled against the divine

law, the inferior creatures

were

in rebellion against his rule. Thus the Lord, in His

14 1

great mercy, would show men the sacredness of His law, and lead them, by their own

experience, to see the danger of setting it aside, even in the slightest degree."—"Pa-

triarchs and Prophets," pages 59, 60.

DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT

Introduction and Ques. 1-4.



5. Read "The Story of Redemption,"

Ques. 5, 6, and read "The Creator



pages 24, 27-41.

and His Workshop," chapter 18.



6. Read "Education," pages 23-27.

Ques. 7-12 and notes.



7. Review entire lesson.

Read "Patriarchs and Prophets,"

pages 52-62.

Basis of Man's Dominion

What was the original relationship of man to God and to

the angels? What was his relation to all creatures upon the earth?

Ps. 8:4-8.

What test of man's loyalty did God make? Gen. 2:16, 17.

Nom.—Complete obedience to God's law was required. "There was noth-

ing poisonous in the fruit itself, and the sin was not merely in yielding to

appetite. It was distrust of God's goodness, disbelief of His word, and rejec-

tion of His authority, that made our first parents transgressors, and that

brought into the world a knowledge of

evil."—Education,

page 25.

By what alluring promise was Eve tempted to disobedience?

What truth and what falsehood were contained in Satan's words?

Gen. 3:4, 5.

NOTE.—"By

partaking of this tree, he [Satan] declared, they would attain

to a more exalted sphere of existence, and enter a broader field of knowledge.

. . . The tempter intimated that the divine warning was not to be actually

fulfilled; it was designed merely to intimidate them." "Eve had been per-

fectly happy by her husband's side in her Eden home; but, like restless

modern Eves, she was flattered with the hope of entering a higher sphere

than that which God had assigned

her."—Patriarchs and Prophets,

pages 54,59.

What was and still is Satan's purpose in the temptation of

man? 2 Cor. 11:3.

Nom.—"It was the tempter's purpose to thwart the divine plan in man's

creation, and fill the earth with woe and desolation."—Steps

to Christ,

page 19.

Man's Relation to Law

What is the basis of moral and social stability? Ps. 119:2, 3,

6, 11, 22, 165.

What example of man's free moral agency is presented in

God's dealing with Israel? Deut. 30:15-19; Joshua 24:15; Isa.' 1:

19,

20.

[ 15 ]

NOTE.—This is the crux of God's plan. Satan had contended that God

was tyrannical; that created beings were merely automatons. But Satan's

own choice of rebellion was evidence of the falsity of his argument. When

man, the regent of this earth, was given the choice between obedience and

disobedience, the righteousness and the liberality of God's government were

vindicated. Disobedience does not change the law; it merely determines the

sequel. In the natural world, conformity to the laws of momentum enable

one to keep a moving object in a path toward a desired end; nonconformity

results in failure or tragedy. The moral precepts are not different in princi-

ple from the natural laws of the Creator. They, too, forecast the fruition of

a course of action, the sequel to the 'conditions which a man chooses. "But

while everything in nature is governed by natural laws, man alone, of all

that inhabits the earth, is amenable to moral law. To man, the crowning

work of creation, God has given power to understand His requirements, to

comprehend the justice and beneficence of His law, and its sacred claims

upon him; and of man unswerving obedience is required."—Patriarchs

and

Prophets,

page 52. "It is not God's purpose to coerce the will. Man was

created a free moral agent."—Ibid., pp. 331, 332.

Results of Sin

Enumerate some of the results of Adam's and Eve's disobedi-

ence. Gen. 3:10, 16, 17, 19, 23, 24; Rom. 5:12.

How has the natural world shared man's loss? In what

obvious manner has plant life been transformed under Satan's

rule? Gen. 3:18; Rom. 8:22.

NOTE.—"The

God of nature is perpetually at work. . . . He never made

a thorn, a thistle, or a tare. These are Satan's work, the result of degeneration,

introduced by him among the precious

things."—Testimonies,

vol. 6, p. 186.

Thus has the enemy sowed tares in God's field. Satan never has had creative

power ; but, as a student of nature's laws, he has caused the development of

many noxious and thorny plants as well as degenerate and ferocious animals.

As a result of sin and the consequent curse, what unnatural

attitude developed between man and the rest of the creation? How

was man's dominion over plants and animals affected? Gen. 3:17,

18; 9:2, 5.

NorE.—"So long as Adam remained loyal to Heaven, all nature was in

subjection to him. But when he rebelled against the divine law, the inferior

creatures were in rebellion against his

rule."—Patriarchs and Prophets,

page

59. See also

Education,

pages 26, 27. One who is disobedient to his superiors

cannot expect obedience from his inferiors. Only through obedience can there

be peace and co-operation.

10.

Who now exercises over the earth the supremacy which

man formerly possessed? Upon what basis does such a claim rest?

Eph. 2:2; Luke 4:6; 2 Cor. 4:4; Rom. 6:16.

( 16 )

11.

What changes in the relationship between God and man

were caused by sin? Gen. 3:23, 24; 4:13, 14; 6:5.

NoTE.—After his transgression, Adam could no longer meet his Creator

personally, but still for a time he was permitted to worship at the gate of

Eden. See

Patriarchs and Prophets,

page 62.

12.

To whom does the dominion truly belong? How was it

obtained? To whom will it be given eventually? Ps. 24:1, 2; 37:

9-11; Dan. 7:18; Micah 4:8.

Lesson 6, for November 10, 1951

The Plan of Redemption

MEMORY VERSE: "For as in Adam all die,

even

so in Christ shall all be made

alive." 1 Cor. 15:22.

STUDY HELPS: "The Creator and His Workshop," chapter 19; "The Story

of Redemption,"

pages

42-51; "Patriarchs and Prophets," pages 63-70; "Education,"

pages 28-30.

INTRODUCTION: "To restore in man the image of his Maker, to bring him

back to the perfection in which he was created, to promote the development of body,

mind, and soul, that the divine purpose in his creation might be realized,—this was

to be the work of redemption. This is the object of education, the great object of

life."—"Education," pages 15, 16.

DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT

Introduction and Ques. 1-3; read



5. Read "The Story of Redemption,"

"Education," pages 28-30.



pages 42-51.

Ques. 4-8 and notes.



6. Read "Patriarchs and Prophets."

Ques. 9-12 and notes.



pages 63-70.

Read "The Creator and His Work-



7. Review entire lesson.

shop," chapter 19.

Provision for a Doomed Race

When was• the plan of redemption provided? Rev. 13:8.

NoTE.—In His infinite goodness and greatness, God anticipates every pos-

sible emergency. In the body of every individual there are provided sub-

stances that will cause blood to clot and thereby check or stop bleeding in

case of injury. It was not the Creator's plan that men should be so injured,

but He made provision for that emergency. Manifold other instances of such

foresight could be• cited. No evolutionary philosophy can explain how a

creature could on its own account anticipate the emergency which might

cause its destruction, and provide in advance to forestall it. "For Thou art

great, and doest wondrous things: Thou art God alone." Ps. 86:10. God

did not plan nor predestine that man should sin, but He did make infinite

provision for the possibility of such an emergency. "The plan of salvation

had been laid before the creation of the earth; for Christ is 'the Lamb slain

from the foundation of the world.'

"—Patriarchs and Prophets,

page 63.

Who made possible the plan of salvation? How many may

benefit from it? Rom. 6:23; John 3:16.

What are some of the purposes of the plan of redemption?

John 10:10; Micah 4:8.

NoTE.—"But Christ, by His sacrifice paying the penalty of sin, would not

only redeem man, but recover the dominion which he had forfeited. All

that was lost by the first Adam will be restored by the second. . . . God

created the earth to be the abode of holy, happy beings. . . . That purpose

will be fulfilled, when, renewed by the power of God, and freed from sin

and sorrow, it shall become the eternal abode of the

redeemed."—Patriarchs

and Prophets,

page 67.

The Gospel of Salvation

In what words was the plan of redemption first revealed to

mankind? Gen. 3:15.

NOTE. "All the communion between heaven and the fallen race has been

through Christ. It was the Son of God that gave to our first parents the

promise of redemption. It was He who revealed Himself to the patriarchs.

Adam, Noah, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and Moses understood the gospel.

They looked for salvation through man's Substitute and Surety. These holy

men of old held communion with the Saviour who was to come to our

world in human flesh ; and some of them talked with Christ and heavenly

angels face to

face."—Patriarchs and Prophets,

page 366.

What prophecy did Isaiah declare concerning the Coming

One? Isa. 9:6, 7.

How was Mary informed of the coming Redeemer and King?

What details of His plan were revealed to Joseph? Luke 1:30-33;

Matt. 1:21.

How does this plan apply to those who are not of literal

Israel? Rom. 9:24-26; 11:11-18.

NoTE.—In this illustration of grafting an alien scion onto a godly stock,

Paul notes the limitation of the parable by stating that this Christian grafting

process is "contrary to nature." Rom. 11:24.

How does God design that mankind shall be informed of

the plan of salvation? Mark 16:15; Rom. 10:14, 15, 17, 18. Com-

pare Ps. 19:1-4.

NoTE.—God has chosen to have human messengers proclaim His plan of

salvation to the world, but men have been feeble and inefficient in accom-

plishing that grand purpose. Thousands who have neither heard the living

[ 18 ]

preacher nor seen the written word have only God's book of nature, whose

"words" have gone "to the end of the world." "Among the heathen are

those who worship God ignorantly, those to whom the light is never brought

by human instrumentality, yet they will not perish. Though ignorant of

the written law of God, they have heard His voice speaking to them in

nature, and have done the things that the law required. Their works are

evidence that the Holy Spirit has touched their hearts, and they are recog-

nized as the children of God."—The

Desire of Ages,

page 638.

"Though marred by sin, it [nature] speaks not only of creation but of

redemption. . . . Thus the very objects and operations of nature that bring

so vividly to mind our great loss become to us the messengers of hope."—

Education,

page 27.

Faith Is Indispensable

What attitude is essential to a correct and full understand-

ing of God's work as it is revealed in the creation of the natural

world? How does this attitude illustrate spiritual faith? Heb. 11:

1, 3, 6; 12:1, 2; Gal. 3:6-9.

NOTE.-Truly, faith is "evidence of things not seen," of things invisible

to natural eyesight. But invisibility in no way minimizes the validity of the

evidence. An exact knowledge of many things is acquired without even the

possibility of visibility. None but the brighter stars have ever been seen by

the human eye, even with the aid of the telescope. Untold millions of stars

whose images are recorded on photographic plates have never been viewed

by human eyes, but the record of the transformed chemicals on the photo-

graphs is "evidence of things not seen." Air in its ordinary gaseous form is

entirely invisible, but its presence and behavior are learned from its effects

upon visible objects. So great confidence is placed upon such evidence that

few would at present hesitate to trust their lives to the buoyant effect of

this invisible reality. No one has ever seen a molecule of air, water, or any

other such common substance, but the very sizes of these molecules have been

determined with uncanny precision by methods not too difficult to explain

or to understand. Few persons have viewed the top of Mount Everest, but

no pupil of geography doubts the existence of that mighty elevation. Even

the names of common objects or places cannot be ascertained by mere

observation, but must be obtained from the oral or written statements of

others, and are thus learned by the simple process of

faith—implicit

confi-

dence and belief—that the informant is providing reliable information. Can

anyone do less than have faith that the "evidence of things not seen" in the

lives of the great "cloud of witnesses" of the past, and the evidences abound-

ing in the design and provisions of the natural world, point to the Creator of

the universe and to His soon return as the Redeemer and Re-creator of a

fallen world?

10.

What accompanies saving faith? Eph. 2:8-10; James 2:14-

20; Rev. 14:12.

NorE.—In the record of the faithful of old, in Hebrews 11, there is

abundant evidence that the faith of those men and women was productive

of appropriate and vigorous activity in God's service. Abraham obeyed,

[ 191

though he could not at the time see the object and reward of his service.

Moses likewise "endured, as seeing Him who is invisible."

11.

What will be the condition of the redeemed as their time

of redemption approaches? Titus 2:12-14; Rev. 22:10-14.

12.

What does the plan of redemption ultimately embrace?

2 Peter 3:13; Rev. 21:1-5.

Lesson 7, for November 17, 1951

The World That Then

Was;

Under the Curse

MEMORY VERSE: "Cursed is the ground for thy sake; in sorrow shalt thou

eat of it all the days of thy life; thorns also and thistles shall it bring forth to thee."

Gen. 3:17, 18.

LESSON HELPS: "The Creator and His Workshop," chapter 20; "The Story

of Redemption," pages 39-41, 52-61; "Patriarchs and Prophets," pages 71-92.

INTRODUCTION: "God cursed tke ground because of their sin in eating of the

tree of knowledge [of good and evil], and declared, 'In sorrow shalt thou eat of it

all the days of thy life.' He had apportioned them the good, but withheld the evil.

Now He declares that they shall eat of it, that is, they should be acquainted with

evil all the days of their life.

"The race from that time forward was to be afflicted by Satan's temptations. A

life of perpetual toil and anxiety was appointed unto Adam, instead of the happy,

cheerful labor he had hitherto enjoyed. They should be subject to disappointment,

grief, and pain, and finally come to dissolution. They were made of the dust of the

earth, and unto dust should they return."—"The Story of Redemption," page 40.

DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT

Introduction and Ques. 1-3.



4. Ques. 11, 12; read "The Story of

Ques. 4-6; read "The Creator and



Redemption," pages 52-61.

His Workshop," chapter 20.



5. Read "Patriarchs and Prophets,"

Ques. 7-10; read "The Story of Re-



pages 71-92.

demption," pages 39-41.



6. Review first half of lesson.

7. Review second half of lesson.

The Immediate Effects of the Curse

What reason is given for man's ejection from the Garden of

Eden? How was the garden guarded? Gen. 3:22-24.

NOTE.—"The

Garden of Eden remained upon the earth long after man

had become an outcast from its pleasant paths. The fallen race were long

permitted to gaze upon the home of innocence, their entrance barred only

by the watching angels. At the cherubim-guarded gate of Paradise the

divine glory was revealed. Hither came Adam and his sons to worship God.

Here they renewed their vows of obedience to that law the transgression of

which had banished them from Eden. When the tide of iniquity overspread

the world, and the wickedness of men determined their destruction by a flood

of waters, the hand that had planted Eden withdrew it• from the earth."—

Patriarchs and Prophets,

page 62.

[ 20 ]

What provision did God make for the bodily protection of

Adam and Eve? Gen. 3:21.

NOTE.—"The atmosphere, once so mild and uniform in temperature, was

now subject to marked changes, and the Lord mercifully provided them

with a garment of skins as a protection from the extremes of heat and cold."

—Patriarchs and Prophets,

page 61.

What were some of the immediate results of the curse? Gen.

3:17-19.

What further change in the productiveness of the earth fol-

lowed Cain's great sin? Gen. 4:12.

NOTE.—In spite of decreased fertility of the soil and a less favorable cli-

mate, the record indicates that luxuriant vegetation and vigorous animal life

prevailed on the earth even down to the Flood. "There were evident tokens

of decay, but the earth was still rich and beautiful in the gifts of God's provi-,

dence. . . . The trees far surpassed in size, beauty, and perfect proportion,

any now to be found; their wood was of fine grain and hard substance, closely

resembling stone, and hardly less enduring. Gold, silver, and precious stones

existed in

abundance."—Patriarchs and Prophets,

page 90.

Because of the curse upon the ground, what comfoit did,

Lamech derive from the birth of his son Noah? Gen. 5:29.

Non.—In Eden before the curse, Adam engag6d in "happy, Cheerful

labor." This labor was a blessing to body, mind, and soul. After the curse

the soil was not so fertile nor so friable, and the degenerate plants now called

weeds became abundant. So man was under the necessity of strenuous effort

order to supply himself with food and shelter. Actually the weeds were

a blessing to him, for without them he would have failed to till the soil

sufficiently to promote the growth of desirable plants. Thus, in manifold

ways, God permits the effects of the curse to become a blessing to falleniman-)

kind.

Of what physical stature were many of the antediluvian men?

Gen. 6:4.

NOTE.—"The human race yet retained much of its early vigor. But a

few generations had passed since Adam had access to the tree which was to

prolong life; and man's existence was still measured by centuries. . . . There

were many giants, men of great stature and strength, renowned for wisdom,

skillful in devising the most cunning and wonderful works; but their guilt

in giving loose rein to iniquity was in proportion to their 'skill and mental

ability."—Patriarchs and Prophets,

page 90.

The Path Away From Eden

What kinds of employment are mentioned as being developed

after the exile from Eden? Gen. 4:2, 20-22.

( 21 ]

What centralizing influence was developed through the

leadership of Cain? Gen. 4:17.

NOTE.—The

family of Cain is the first recorded which built a city. It

centralized in one locality for protection and to ensure a more compact social

life.

What was the first recorded crime committed after the Fall?

Gen. 4:8-10.

10.

What other outstanding violations of God's law were

prevalent during antediluvian times? Gen. 4:23; 6:2, 5, 11-13;

Luke 17:27.

Nom.—"The descendants of Seth were called the sons of God; the

descendants of Cain, the sons of men. As the sons of God mingled with the

sons of men, they became corrupt and, by intermarriage with them, lost,

through the influence of their wives, their peculiar, holy character, and united

with the sons of Cain in their idolatry."—The

Story of Redemption,

page 62.

"They [the antediluvians] sought only to gratify the desires of their own

proud hearts, and reveled in scenes of pleasure and wickedness. Not desiring

to retain God in their knowledge, they soon came to deny His existence.

. . . Men put God out of their knowledge, and worshiped the creatures of

their own imagination; and as the result, they became more and more

debased. . . . The worshipers of false gods clothed their deities with human

attributes and passions, and thus their standard of character was degraded

to the likeness of sinful humanity. They were defiled in consequence. . .

Neither the marriage relation nor the rights of property were respected."—

Patriarchs and Prophets,

pages 90-92.

God's Long-Suffering and Mercy

11.

How merciful was God toward the ungodly antediluvians?

Gen. 6:3, 8; 1 Peter 3:20.

12.

Besides Abel and Noah, who were some other outstanding

godly men in those times? Jude 14, 15; Gen. 5:22-24; 4:26; 5:28, 29.

Lesson 8, for November 24, 1951

The Deluge and the Bow of Promise

MEMORY VERSE: "Though these three men, Noah, Daniel, and Job, were

in it, they should deliver but their own souls by their righteousness, saith the Lord

God." Ezek. 14:14.

STUDY HELPS: Genesis 6:14 to 9:17; "The Creator and His Workshop,"

chapter 21; "The Story of Redemption," pages 62-71; "Patriarchs and Prophets,"

pages 92-108.

INTRODUCTION: The earth itself provides abundant evidence that at some

time even the highest mountains have been submerged completely by sea. Evolu-

tionistic philosophy explains this by teaching that there have been gradual subsidence

and emergence of the land through long ages. On the other hand, the Bible por-

trays an extraordinary and cataclysmic event which occurred within a single year.

During the first forty days of that eventful year the rain from above was torrential

and devastating, but the most extensive destruction and flooding manifestly resulted

as " 'the fountains of the great deep were broken up, and the windows of heaven

were opened.' Water appeared to come from the clouds in mighty cataracts. Rivers

broke away from their boundaries, and overflowed the valleys. Jets of water burst

from the earth with indescribable force, throwing massive rocks hundreds of feet

into the air, and these, in falling, buried themselves deep in the ground."—"Patriarchs

and Prophets," page 99.

DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT

Introduction and Ques. 1-3; read

first half of "The Creator and His

Workshop," chapter 21.

Ques. 4-6, and read second half of

"The Creator and His Workshop,"

chapter 21.

Ques. 7-11 and notes.

Ques. 12, 13, and read "The Story

of Redemption," pages 62-71.

Read "Patriarchs and Prophets,"

pages 92-108, and selections from

Genesis.

Review first half of lesson.

Review second half of lesson.

Warning to a Godless Generation

As a result of the universal wickedness which prevailed in

the days of Noah, what did God announce that He would do to

the earth? Gen. 6:5, 6, 13, 17.

What message did Noah preach while he was building the

ark? How many still living at the time of the Deluge heeded the

message? 2 Peter

2:5; 1 Peter 3:20; Gen. 7:7, 13.

NoTE.—"While Noah was giving his warning message to the world, his

works testified of his sincerity. It was thus that his faith was perfected and

made evident. He gave the world an example of believing just what God

says. All that he possessed, he invested in the

ark."—Patriarchs and Prophets,

page 95.

Why did God spare Noah and his family? Gen. 7:1, 5.

Preparing the Ark

What instruction was given to Noah concerning a means for

the preservation of himself and his family? How did Noah act

upon the instruction? Gen. 6:14, 18; Heb. 11:7.

NoTE.—Noah was not preserved through the Deluge merely by his own

efforts, for no ship could have withstood the fury of the storm and the

upheavals of the earth during that cataclysm. While "angels that excel in

strength were commissioned to preserve it"

(Patriarchs and Prophets,

page

100), the ark itself was a work of faith on the part of Noah. Both faith and

obedience are essential to salvation.

[ 23 ]

How large was the ark? What specifications were given for

the construction of the ark? Gen. 6:15, 16.

NcrrE.—This massive ship was not less than 450 feet long, 75 feet wide,

and 45 feet high. Its three stories provided something like 75,000 to 100,000

square feet of floor area—abundant room for representatives of allthe kinds

of animals with which God originally populated the earth.

If the long cubit of 22 inches was used, then the ark was 550 feet long.

Compare measurements of the tabernacle (Ex. 26:16, 18, 20 and

Patriarchs

and Prophets,

page 347).

What living creatures were accommodated in the ark? What

provision was made for food for them? Gen. 6:19-21; 7:2, 3.

The Deluge

From what sources did the Deluge waters come? Gen. 7:4,

11, 12.

How completely did the water cover the earth? For how

long a time was the entire surface of the earth covered with water?

Gen. 7:20, 24; 8:5.

How complete was the destruction accomplished by this

divine judgment? How much time elapsed from the beginning

of the Flood until the earth was dry? Gen. 7:21-23, 10, 11; 8:13, 14.

NOTE.—The Hebrew calendar was a lunar one, with approximately 354

days in the twelve months. Therefore, from the day the Flood began; on the

seventeenth day of the second month, until the twenty-seventh day of the

second month of the next year when the earth was dry again, was a period

of 365 days, or one solar year, counting inclusively the first and last days,

as was the ancient custom.

10.

What care did God take of the ark? Gen. 7:16, 18; 8:1, 15

17.

NorE.—"The massive door, which it was impossible for those within to

close, was slowly swung to its place by unseen hands. Noah was shut in, and

the rejectors of God's mercy were shut out. The seal of Heaven, was on that

door; God had shut it, and God alone could open it." "All that men could

do was done to render the work perfect, yet the ark could not of itself have

withstood the storm which was to come upon the earth. God alone could

preserve His servants upon the tempestuous

waters."—Patriarchs and Proph-

ets,

page 98, 95.

11.

As the waters subsided, where did the ark come to rest?

What did Noah do on several occasions during his next three

months' stay in the ark? Gen. 8:4-13.

[ 24 ]

NOTE.—"As

the waters began to subside, the Lord caused the ark to drift

into a spot protected by a group of mountains that had been preserved by

His power. These mountains were but a little distance apart, and the ark

moved about in this quiet haven, and was no longer driven upon the bound-

less ocean'. This gave great relief to the weary, tempest-tossed voyagers."—

Patriarchs and Prophets,

page 105.

The Promises of God

12.

What was Noah's first act upon leaving the ark? What

blessing was bestowed upon his family? Gen. 8:20; 9:1, 7.

13.

What covenant did God establish with mankind after the

Deluge? What was the pledge of that covenant? Gen. 8:21, 22;

9:9-16. Compare Isa. 54:9, 10.

NOTE.—"Lest

the gathering clouds and falling rain should fill men with

constant terror, from fear of another flood, the Lord encouraged the family

of Noah by a promise: 'I will establish My covenant with you; . . . neither

shall there any more be a flood to destroy the earth. . . . I do set My bow

in the cloud, and it shall be for a token of a covenant between Me and the

earth., And it shall come to pass, when I bring a cloud over the earth, that

the bow shall be seen in the cloud; . . . and I will look upon it, that I may

remember the everlasting covenant between God and every living creature.' "

—Patriarchs and Prophets,

page 106.

"The rainbow spanning the heavens with its arch of light is a token of

`the everlasting covenant between God and every living creature.' And the

rainbow encircling the throne on high is also a token to God's children of His

covenant of

peace."—Education,

page 115.

Lesson

9, for December 1, 1951

God Still Speaks Through Nature

MEMORY VERSE: "But ask now the beasts, and they shall teach thee:. . .

or speak to the earth, and it shall teach thee: . . . Who knoweth not in all these

that the hand of the Lord hath wrought this?" Job 12:7-9.

STUDY HELPS: "The Creator and His Workshop," chapter 22; "Christ's

Object Lessons," pages 17-27 (new ed., pp. 15-25); "Education," pages 99-120; Job

38 to 41; Psalms 8; 19; 148; "The Ministry of Healing," pages 409-419.

INTRODUCTION:, "Since the book of nature and the book of revelation bear

. •

the impress of the same mastermind, they cannot but speak in harmony. By different

methods, and in different languages, they witness to the same great truths. Science

is ever discovering new wonders; but she

brings

from her research nothing that,

rightly understood, conflicts with divine revelation. The book of nature and the written

.word shed light upon each other. They make us acquainted with God by teaching

us sdmcthing of the laws through which He works."—"Education," page 128.

[ 26 3

DAILY STUDY

Introduction and Ques. 1-3; read

first half of chapter 22 of The

Creator and His Workshop."

Ques. 4-6 and second half of chapter

22 of "The Creator and His Work-

shop."

Ques. 7-12.

ASSIGNMENT

Read "Christ's Object Lessons,"

pages 17-27.

Read "Education," pages 99-120.

Read "The Ministry of Healing,"

pages 409-419, and selections from

Job and Psalms.

Review entire lesson.

The Language of Nature

By what means are the invisible things of God understood?

Rom. 1:20.

NOTE.—The

invisible things of everyday life are revealed by visible effects.

No one can see gaseous air, but because moving air plays upon the leaves

of the trees, it is common to say,

"See

the wind blow." Electrical charges

cannot be seen; but when in motion they heat the wires by which they are

transmitted and produce magnetic effects in their vicinity, so that their

presence can be demonstrated. Thus in manifold ways the existence of the

invisible is made plain through the visible.

How extensive and effective is the witness of nature? What

is necessary in order correctly to understand the language of

nature? Ps. 19:1-4; Rom. 10:18. Compare Heb. 11:3.

NoTE.—The margin of Psalm 19:3 in the Authorized Version reads,

"There is no speech nor language, without these their voice is heard." The

American Revised Version reads, "There is no speech nor language; their

voice is not heard."

"To him who, in the love of Nature, holds

Communion with her visible forms, she speaks

A various language."—Bryant.

In declaring the glory and creative ability of God, nature employs no

audible speech nor language; yet her message goes convincingly to the end

of the world. The fact of the existence of a planned and complex creation

is in itself abundant evidence of a Creator. The fact of a delicate balance

between climatic conditions and the chemistry and physiology of living things

is likewise evidence of design, not of chance.

In what attitude should one seek to learn of God through

His works in nature? Ps. 8:3, 4.

NoTE.—Humility is a prerequisite of learning. While God made the things

of nature to be "pleasant to the sight," and intended that Man'should enjoy

the esthetic aspects of His creation, He also "hath made ..His wonderful

works to be remembered" (Ps. 111:4) ; and, still further, He has admonished

,that: one _should consider inquiringly

how

the lilies grow (Matt. 6:28), and

how high

the stars are (Job 22:12).

[ 26 ]

Leaves From the Book of Nature

How much concern need the animal creation have for their

daily sustenance? By what mediate means has the Creator made

provision for the daily requirements of animal life? Matt. 6:26;

Ps. 104:10-12, 14, 16-18, 27, 28.

In the questions put to Job, how does God indicate the

orderly operation of animal instincts? Job 38:39-41; 39:1, 2,.5, 13,

14, 26-30.

NOTE.—God has provided instincts for the animals, and thus He has

enabled them to perform unlearned functions successfully. They have

inherited a behavior pattern that is quite constant, and distinctively, in

accordance with the needs of each type of animal. Though the Creator

provided instincts abundantly for the animal creation, He in magnanimous

wisdom made man a free moral agent, not slavishly dependent on instincts,

but amenable to education and to conscious voluntary submission to His

natural and moral laws.

What lesson may we learn from the grass beneath our feet?

Matt. 6:30; Ps. 103:15-18.

NOTE.—In autumn the grass may be as brown and dry as straw. Though

it appears dead and worthless, when the rains come again it will be verdantly

beautiful. God provides even for the grass of the field.

By what illustration does God portray the unending life

which He will provide to the redeemed? Isa. 65:22.

NoTE.—In contrast to herbs and grasses, such as sunflowers or wheat,

most trees have what is known as indeterminate growth; that is, there is no

head or. fruit .which terminates -their stems and necessitates the cessation or

retreat of their activities. The tree continues to grow larger and taller each

year. So those who fulfill the conditions of redemption will enter upon that

eternal life of unlimited, unceasing spiritual and mental development, "as

the days of a tree."

With what fact in the natural world does God illustrate the

magnitude of His forgiveness? Ps. 103:12;

NOTE.-It

is noteworthy that the Scripture does not indicate "as far as the

south is from the north," which would be a scant 13,000 miles. East and west

are opposite directions, each without end: No matter how far ohe'tnay travel

eastward; east still lies before him. So with God's nierci;" it is absOlUfely

unlimited.

How did Christ illUstrile the'getiuitte,

innate. chaiader36f

the true Christian? Matt. 5:13.

E 271

NOTE.—Every

chemical substance is invariable in its properties and com-

position. Only when its components are freed from each other, or are joined

to other elements to form new compounds, do the properties of the original

substance disappear. Salt cannot lose its saltiness without ceasing to be salt

and losing its value as a seasoning agent. "If the salt have lost his savor,

. . . it is thenceforth good for nothing." Likewise, the name Christian

applied to one without Christian characteristics is a misnomer and an impos-

sibilty.

10.

In whom does our eternal life reside? How do we enter

into it? 1 John 5:11, 12; John 3:3, 5.

NorE.—Just as physical life must have resided in previously existing liv-

ing beings, and initially in the higher Life in whom "we live, and move, and

have our being;" so also in the spiritual realm, life comes only from ante-

cedent life. Except one "be born . . of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the

kingdom of God."

11.

What natural process illustrates the progressive develop-

ment of Christian life under the influence of the Spirit? Mark 4:

26-28.

12.

After all our study of created things what conclusion must

be reached concerning the Creator? What do the magnitude and

marvelous organization of the natural world show concerning

Him? Job 26:14; Ps. 104:24; Rom. 11:33.

Lesson 10,

for December

8, 1951

'True Science Versus Present-Day Theories

MEMORY VERSE: "Knowing this first, that there shall come in the last days

scoffers, walking after their own lusts, and saying, Where is the promise of His com-

ing? for since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning

of the creation." 2 Peter 3:3, 4.

STUDY HELPS: "The Creator and His•Workshop," chapter 23; "Education,"

pages 128-134; "Christ's Object Lessons," pages 39.43 (new ed.,

pp. 34-37); "Patri-

archs

and Prophets," pages 107-116; "Testimonies," vol. 8, pp. 255-264.

INTRODUCTION: "The harmony of

creation

depends upon the perfect con-

formity of all beings, of everything, animate and

inanimate, to

the law of the Creator.

God has ordained

laws for the government, not

only of living beings, but of all the

operations of nature.

Everything is under fixed laws, which cannot be disregarded.

But while everything in nature is governed by natural laws, man alone, of

all

that

inhabits the earth, is amenable to moral law. To man, the crowning work of creation,

God has

given power to

understand His requirements, to comprehend the justice and

beneficence

of His law, and its sacred claims upon him; and of man unswerving

obedience is

required."-mv"Patriarchs

and Prophets," page 52,

128 ]

DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT

Introduction and Ques. 1-5.

Ques.6-10 and notes.

Ques. 11, 12, and read "Education,"

pages 128-134.

Read "The Creator and His Work-

shop,"chapter 23.

Read selections from "Christ's Ob-

ject Lessons" and "Patriarchs and

Prophets."

Read "Testimonies," vol.

pp. 255-

264, and review first half of lesson.

Review second half of lesson.

Principles of the Natural World

How does the psalmist set forth the operation of the laws

of nature? Whose ordinances are they? Ps. 104:2, 3, 5, 6-14, 19-21.

NorE.—"As the foundation principle of all education in these lines, the

youth should be taught that the laws of nature are the laws of God,—as

truly divine as are the precepts of the Decalogue."—Education, page 196.

"God is as truly the author of physical laws as He is the author of the

moral

law."—Christ's Object Lessons,

page 347.

How constant and unchangeable is the Creator? Isa. 40:28;

Mal. 3:6.

NorE.—Miracles are God's extraordinary way of doing things for excep-

tional or emergency purposes, but the laws of nature—His laws in the material

realm—are His regular and ordinary way of doing things. It has been said

well that "the laws of nature are the delegated will of the Almighty." These

laws are not the enactments of a legislative body, subject to amendment or

repeal. They are the uniform and unalterable response of created things to

the conditions imposed upon them, because of the characteristics invested in

these bodies by the Creator. God produced energy, matter, and all living

and moving things according to definite patterns of form and behavior.

"The Lord does not work through His laws to supersede the laws of nature.

He does His work through the laws and properties of His instruments, and

nature obeys a 'Thus saith the Lord.'

"—Testimonies,

vol. 6, p. 186.

What would God have us learn concerning the constancy

of His laws, or ordinances, in the natural world? With what

natural laws does He exemplify the dependability of His promises

and performance? Ps. 148:5, 6; Jer. 31:35, 36; 33:20, 25, 26.

Noia.—The laws of God in nature are equally enduring with His promises.

The Creator is not capricious. He does all things in a constant and dependable

fashion through the laws which. He has established in nature. "God does not

annul His laws, or work contrary to them; but He is continually using them

as His instruments."—Patriarchs

and Prophets,

page 114.

How is man's inability to interfere with the laws of nature

set forth in the Bible? Job 38:31-33; 37:12; Matt. 5:36.

[ 29

NOTE.—"The beneficent operations of nature are not accomplished by

abrupt and startling interpositions; men are not permitted to take her work

into their own hands. God works through the calm regular operation of His

appointed

laws."—Testimonies to Ministers,

page 190.

"By the laws of God in nature, effect follows cause with unvarying cer-

tainty. The reaping testifies to the sowing. Here no pretense is tolerated.

Men may deceive their fellow men. . . . But in nature there can be no

deception. . . . And in the highest sense this is true also in the spiritual

realm. . . . The harvest of life is character, and it is this that determines

destiny, both for this life and for the life to

come."—Education,

pages 108, 109.

What moral responsibility rests upon man, seeing that it is

possible for him to understand the laws of the natural world? Rom.

1:20, 21, 25.

NOTE.—"The laws of nature are obeyed by nature. . . . And can it be

that man, made in the image of God, endowed with reason and speech, shall

alone be unappreciative of His gifts and disobedient to His will

?"—Christ's

Object Lessons,

pages 81, 82.

Creation, Not Evolution

How much of the creative organization of the earth was

completed at the end of its first week? Is creation a present-day

process? Gen. 2:1; Ex. 20:11; Heb. 4:3, last clause.

What prediction was made through the apostle Peter con-

cerning certain erroneous teachings that should be developed "in

the last days"? 2 Peter 3:3, 4.

NoTE.—It is significant that evolutionistic doctrine is uniformitarian,

claiming that creation is a continuous process of both past and present, and

that "all things continue as . . . from the

beginning

of the creation," not as

from the

end

of it. Such teaching is in direct contradiction of the Scriptural

doctrine that, within the limits of minor variations permissible under God's

laws in nature, and subject to His occasional miraculous intervention as at the

Deluge and other lesser occasions, all things continue as from the

end

of a

finished creation. The Sabbath is a sign to' the world that there are

believers in a completed six-day creative act by the Almighty, and that, so

far as this world is concerned, no new creation has since taken place. Often

science

is confused with the belief and teachings of scientists. A scientist is a

student and interpreter of science, and he may as readily be correct or in

error as may a historian or a theologian. True science is dependable ; some

scientists may be in error.

How does Paul indicate that all that is called "science" is not

necessarily true? 1 Tim. 6:20, 21.

What is the Biblical explanation of the origin of matter and

of living things? Heb. 11:3; Ps. 33:9; 100:3; 148:5.

[ 30 ]

NOTE.—The Bible presents a Creator who made material where no material

existed previously, and affirms that what

came from what

was not.

Evo-

lutionistic philosophy commonly makes no attempt to explain the origin of

matter; in fact, it evades the issue by such a dense screen of theories concern-

ing how what

came from what

was

previously existent that most persons

are deceived into thinking that it answers fully the question of ultimate

origins. Further, having assumed matter already existent at the outset, such

philosophy fails to show how purposeful and successful design in multitu-

dinous creatures could be developed through random chance in and by

unthinking matter. The unique and marvelous design manifested through-

out the natural world points unmistakably to a great Designer and Creator.

10.

What does the Bible teach concerning the forming of

mountains and valleys? Ps. 104:8. "The mountains rose, the val-

leys sank down," A.R.V.

NoTE.—Had the materials in the rocks of the earth been left undisturbed

and to themselves, there would now be nothing else than a homogeneous mix-

ture of earthy materials everywhere. No mountain or hill could ever have

arisen of its own accord above the level of the overlying water. Present

influences are leveling the land into the depressions of the seas, not upbuild-

ing land areas. The fact that there are elevated continents, with still more

elevated mountains, which are continually being eroded and degraded to lower

levels, is abundant evidence that some influence other than those at present

active must have produced these elevated and depressed regions. Creation

was•something extraordinary, as was also the subsequent Deluge.

One phase of modern evolutionism teaches that some areas are heavier

or more dense than others, and that consequently the heavier valley regions

pushed up the lighter mountains. Such teaching fails to explain the cause

of any such initial difference or of any present difference in weight of various

parts of the earth. Only an almighty Creator could be responsible for pro-

ducing not only the material of the earth itself, but also its diversified physio-

graphical features; the very earth testifies that "in all these . . . the hand

of the Lord bath wrought this."

Importance of Nature Study in the Last Days

11.

What should be our attitude as we face the challenge of the

mysteries of God's created works? Job 38:1-4, 12, 18, 21, 36; 40:

3-5; 42:1-3, 5, 6.

12.

In the world-wide everlasting gospel message, to whom is

worship directed? Rev. 14:6, 7.

NOTE.—"To make plain natural law, and urge the obedience of it, is the

work that accompanies the third angel's message to prepare a people for the

coming of the

Lord."—Testimonies,

vol. 3, p. 161.

"Show that the laws of nature, being the.laws of God, are designed for

our 'good; that obedience to them promotes happiness in this life, and aids

in the preparation for the life to come."—The

Ministry of Healing,

page 146.

317

Lesson 11, for December 15, 1951

The Earth Desolated and Purified With Fire

MEMORY VERSE: "But the heavens and the earth, which are now, by the same

word are kept in store, reserved unto fire against the day of judgment and perdition of

ungodly men." 2 Peter 3:7.

STUDY HELPS: "The Creator and His Workshop," chapter 24; "The Great

Controversy," pages 653-661, 672-674 (new ed., pp. 735-743; 755-757) ; "The Story of

Redemption," pages 415-429.

INTRODUCTION: "At the coming of Christ the wicked are blotted from the

face of the whole earth,—consumed with the spirit of His mouth, and destroyed by

the brightness of His glory. Christ takes His people to the city of God and the

earth is emptied of its inhabitants. . . . The whole earth appears like a desolate

wilderness." "Here is to be the home of Satan with his evil angels for a thousand years.

Limited to the earth, he will not have access to other worlds, to tempt and annoy those

who have never fallen." "At the close of the thousand years, Christ again returns to

the earth. . . . As He descends in terrific majesty, He bids the wicked dead arise to

receive their doom." "As the New Jerusalem, in its dazzling splendor, comes down

out of heaven, it rests upon the place purified and made ready to receive it, and Christ,

with His people and the angels, enters the Holy City." "Satan, the mightiest of war-

riors, leads the van, and his angels unite their forces for this final struggle. Kings and

warriors are in his train, and the multitudes follow in vast companies, each under its

appointed leader. . . . By command of Jesus, the gates of the New Jerusalem are

closed, and the armies of Satan surround the city, and make ready for the onset." "The

whole wicked world stand arraigned at the bar of God, on the charge of high treason

against the government of heaven. They have none to plead their cause; they are with-

out excuse; and the sentence of eternal death is pronounced against them." "Fire comes

down from God out of heaven. The earth is broken up. The weapons concealed•in its

depths are drawn forth. Devouring flames burst from every yawning chasm. The very

rocks are on fire. The day has come that shall burn as an oven. The elements melt

with fervent heat, the earth also, and the works that are therein are burned up. The

earth's surface seems one molten mass,—a vast, seething lake of fire. . . . The

wicked receive their recompense in the earth." "The fire that consumes the wicked

purifies the earth. Every trace of the curse is swept away."—"The Great Contro-

versy," pages 657, 659, 662-664, 668, 672-674.

DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT

Introduction and Ques. 1-3.

Ques. 4-6, and read first half of "The

Creator and His Workshop," chap-

ter 24.

Ques. 7-9, and read second half of

"The Creator and His Workshop,"

chapter 24.

Ques. 10-12, and read "The Great

Controversy," pages 672-674.

Read "The Great Controversy,"

pages 653-661.

Read "The Story of Redemption,"

pages 415-529.

Review entire lesson.

The Earth as It Now Is

How does the present condition of the earth compare with

that at the close of creation week? How will plant and animal life

be affected as the day of the Lord approaches? Isa. 33:9; 51:6; Joel

1:15-18.

What is the condition, of the inhabitants of the earth? What

is the cause of this condition? Isa. 24:4-12.

[ 32

What prophecy did Christ make concerning the last days?

Matt. 24:37-39.

What retribution was brought upon the earth because of

man's wickedness in the days of Noah? Gen. 7:23; 2 Peter 2:5.

Since men have been persistently and increasingly disobedi-

ent, what is God's plan for the present wicked world? 2 Peter 3:7,

10, 12.

What warnings have been given to God's people? 1 Thess.

5:2-4.

Destruction

of the Earth

What provision has been made for the righteous during the

time of the desolation and destruction of the earth? 1 Thess. 4:16,

17; Rev. 20:6; Isa. 33:13-16.

After the close of the thousand years, what will be done to

the resurrected and still rebellious wicked? Rev. 20:5, 9, 15; 21:8;

Mal. 4:1.

What will be the effect of the final fire upon the earth? Mal.

4:3; 2 Peter 3:10.

NOTE.—As a material body the earth is not to disappear, for its substance

will "melt with fervent heat," and its works will "be burned up" to "ashes."

Burning does not annihilate matter, but does destroy all of its previous

form and organization. Samples of plant and animal life were preserved

through the Deluge, but nothing and no one except the redeemed in the

custody of their Redeemer will survive the world-wide destruction by fire.

10.

What will be the condition of the atmosphere? How will

the sun and moon be affected? Jer. 4:23, 28; Isa. 24:23.

NOTE.—As was noted in the consideration of Genesis 1:2 and the inspired

commentary on creation from Job 38:4, 9, the sun was initially hidden by

dense clouds. Prior to the re-creation of the earth, it seems that an equally

dense darkness will envelop the earth and conceal its devastated surface.

11.

To what condition will the earth be returned? To what

other time does this compare? Jer. 4:23-27; Isa. 24:1, 3, 19. Com-

pare with the words of Genesis 1:2.

12.

In view of the imminence of the final judgment and destruc-

tion, what solemn question is asked? 2 Peter 3:11, 12.

[ 33

Lesson 12, for December 22, 1951

The Restoration of the Dominion

MEMORY VERSE: "And Thou, 0 Tower of the flock, the stronghold of the

daughter of Zion, unto Thee shall it come, even the first dominion; the kingdom shall

come to the daughter of Jerusalem." Micah 4:8.

STUDY HELPS: "The Creator and His Workshop," chapter 25; "The Great

Controversy," pages 635-652, 673, 674 (new ed., pp. 717-733, 756, 757); "The Story

of Redemption," page 430; "Education," pages 301-309.

INTRODUCTION: "The great plan of redemption results in fully bringing back

the world into God's favor. All that was lost by sin is restored. Not only man but the

earth is redeemed, to be the eternal abode of the obedient. For six thousand years, Satan

has struggled to maintain possession of the earth. Now God's original purpose in its

creation is accomplished. 'The saints of the Most High shall take the kingdom, and

possess the kingdom forever, even for ever and ever.' "—"Patriarchs and Prophets,"

page 342.

"There shall be nothing to 'hurt nor destroy in all My holy mountain, saith the Lord.'

There man will be restored to his lost kingship, and the lower order of beings will

again recognize his sway; the fierce will become gentle, and the timid trustful."—"Ed-

ucation," page 304.

"After his expulsion from Eden, Adam's life on earth was filled with sorrow. . . .

Faithfully did he repent of his sin, and trust in the merits of the promised Saviour, and

he died in the hope of a resurrection. The Son of God redeemed man's failure and fall;

and now, through the work of the atonement, Adam is reinstated in his first dominion."

—"The Great Controversy," pages 647, 648.

DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT

Introduction and Ques. 1-3.



5. Read selections from "The Great

Ques. 4-7.



Controversy."

Ques. 8-12, and read "The Story of



6. Read "Education," pages 301-309.

Redemption," page 430.



7. Review entire lesson.

Read "The Creator and His Work-

shop," chapter 25.

A New Creation

After the complete destruction of all the organized natural

world, what re-creative work will be accomplished? Rev. 21:1;

Isa. 65:17, 18.

NoTE.—It is again the creative Word that speaks into existence

new

creation from the same material of which the former one was made. This

difference, however, is noted: The original creation began with a sea of water

over the entire earth; the new heavens and new earth begin from a "lake of

fire."

How much of the world will be involved in the new crea-

tion? Rev. 21:5; 2 Peter 3:13.

To whom will the dominion of the earth be restored? Micah

4:8; Dan.

7:27.

( 34 ]

Inhabitants of the New Earth

How completely must mankind be perfected and re-created

in order to possess the restored dominion? Isa. 60:20, 21; Rev.

21:27; Ps. 15:1-4.

To what extent must the mind and heart be purified for one

to become a partaker of the promises? 1 John 3:1-3; Rom. 12:2;

Phil. 2:5.

NOTE.—"God does not compel men to give up their unbelief. Before them

are light and darkness, truth and error. It is for them to decide which they

will accept. The human mind is endowed with power to discriminate between

right and wrong. God designs that men shall not decide from impulse, but

from weight of evidence, carefully comparing scripture with scripture."—

The Desire of Ages,

page 458.

What should be our attitude toward the body in preparation

for the life to come? What will be the state of health of the

redeemed in the new earth? Rom. 12:1; 1 Cor. 3:17; 9:27; Isa. 33:24.

NOTE.—Control of one's habits and physical being is equally important

with control of the mind. "The body is the only medium through.which the

mind and the soul are developed for the upbuilding of character. . . . The

kingly power of reason, sanctified by divine grace, is to bear sway in our lives.

"The requirements of God must be brought home to the conscience. Men

and women must be awakened to the duty of self-mastery, the need of purity,

freedom from every depraving appetite and defiling habit. They need to be

impressed with the fact that all their powers of mind and body are the gift

of God, and are to be preserved in the best possible condition for His

service."—The Ministry of Healing,

page 130.

What life-giving food and drink will be provided for the

redeemed? Rev. 22:1, 2.

Man's Dominion Restored

In the renewed state what will be the relation of the animal

world to man? How responsive will be the animals to man's

leadership? What sort of food will the animals eat? Isa. 11:6-9;

65:25.

How will the prayer of Christ be fulfilled in the new-earth

state? John 17:24; Rev. 22:14.

10.

What significant term is used to indicate the status of the

redeemed? How does Peter refer to their inheritance? Rom. 8:17;

Gal. 3:29; 1 Peter 1:4.

[ 35 ]

NOTE.—"Restored

to His presence, man will again, as at the beginning, be

taught of

God."

—

Education,

page 302.

•

11.

How long will the new earth endure? Under Christ, how

long will the saints have dominion over the earth? Eph. 3:21;

Dan. 7:27; Rev. 22:5; Isa. 66:22.

NoTE.—"And the, years of eternity, as they roll, will bring richer and still

more glorious revelations of God and of Christ."—The

Great Controversy,

page 678.

12.

How incomprehensible is the plan of redemption and of

restoration of the dominion? 1 Cor. 2:9, 10.

Lesson

13, for

December

29, 1951

The New Earth and Its Capital

MEMORY VERSE: "Nevertheless we, according to His promise, look for new

heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness. Wherefore, beloved, seeing

that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of Him in peace, without

spot, and blameless." 2 Peter 3:13, 14.

STUDY HELPS: "The Creator and His Workshop," chapter 26; "The Great

Controversy," pages 674-678 (new ed., pp. 758-762) ; "The Story of Redemption,"

pages 413, 414, 430-433; "Early Writings," pages 17-20; Revelation 21:1 to 22:5.

INTRODUCTION: Ever since the expulsion of Adam and Eve from Eden,

God's faithful ones have "looked for a city which hath foundations, whose Builder and

Maker is God." They have yearned for the renewed earth in which "the desert shall

blossom as a rose," and from which extremes of all kinds will be absent. The Canaan

of rest toward which they have looked is not one of inactivity, but rather one of joyful

and restful satisfaction in performance, achievement, and participation in the results

of their sanctified desires and unwearied labors. Since "higher than the highest human

thought can reach is God's ideal for His children," the Creator has done infinitely more

than man could imagine or hope for "to prepare a place" for the redeemed. A glimpse

of that better world, the eternal home of the adopted sons of God (Rom. 8:23) may be

obtained from comparison with the perfection of the original creation and from a study

of the prophetic descriptions given by Isaiah, John, and other inspired writers. "Lan-

guage is altogether too feeble to attempt a description of heaven."—"The Story of

Redemption," page

414.

DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT

Introduction and Ques.

1-5.

Ques. 6-8, and read first half of

"The

Creator and His Workshop," chap-

ter 26.

Ques. 9-12, and read second half of

"The Creator and His Workshop,"

chapter 26.

Read selections from "The Great

Controversy" and "Early Writ-

ings."

Read selections from "The Story of

Redemption" and the book of the

Revelation.

Review first half of the lesson.

Review second half of the lesson.

Physical Features of the New Earth

In what respect will physical features of the new earth cor-

respond to those of the original creation? How real is the new

earth to be? Zech. 14:8, 9; Joel 3:18; Rev. 22:1. Compare Gen. 2:10.

[36

NarE.—"A fear of making the future inheritance seem too material has

led many to spiritualize away the very truths which lead us to look upon

it as. our home."—The

Great Controversy,

pages 674, 675. Through faith,

"the

substance

of things hoped for, the

evidence

of things not seen," Abraham

"looked for a city which hath

foundations,"

and in vision the prophet John

saw such a city with foundations of substantial precious minerals. Rev. 21:19,

20.

What indications are given concerning highways? Isa. 35:

8,9.

How extensively will vegetation cover the earth? How will

the animals and plants compare with those of the present? Ezek.

34:25-27; Isa. 11:6-9; 55:13; 41:18, 19.

In what activities will the redeemed engage? Isa. 65:21, 22.

NorE.—"There every power will be developed, every capability increased.

The grandest enterprises will be carried forward, the loftiest aspirations will

be reached, the highest ambitions realized. And still there will arise new

heights to surmount, new wonders to admire, new truths to comprehend,

fresh objects to call forth the powers of body and mind and

soul."—Educa-

tion,

page 307.

What besides ideal rural surroundings has God provided?

Heb. 11:16, 10.

The Capital City, New Jerusalem

How large will be the New Jerusalem? Of what materials

will its walls, gates, and streets be composed? Rev. 21:10-12, 16-21.

NorE.—The most reliable estimates of the length of the Roman furlong,

which was in use in the days when John wrote the Revelation, would make

the circumference of the city about 1,320 miles, or 330 miles on each side.

The area would be nearly 110,000 square miles, or approximately the size of

such a state as Arizona, Colorado, or Nevada.

What will be the source of the river of life? Where will the

tree of life be located? Rev. 22:1, 2; Ps. 46:4.

The senior Sabbath-school lessons, slightly condensed, are pub-

lished each quarter in the Braille and supplied free to the blind

upon request. Address: The Christian Record Benevolent Associa-

tion, Box 66, Lincoln 6, Nebraska.

[ 37 ]

How is the city to be illuminated? What change will be

made in the sun and moon? Rev. 21:23, 25; Isa. 60:19, 20; 30:26.

NorE.—Though to the more distinct restored vision of redeemed man

the sun and the moon will appear much more intense than now, to the

dwellers in the city of God the brilliance of these light bearers will be insig-

nificant in comparison with the light of the glory of God. Thus, while the

sun and the moon will continue to shine with their accustomed brilliance

upon the new earth as well as upon the unfallen planets, "the city had no

need of the sun, neither of the moon, to shine in it."

Worship in the New Earth

How frequently will all the redeemed meet for worship and

devotion together? Isa. 66:23, 20.

10.

What choirs and choruses will be heard? What will be the

theme of the songs rendered? How many will join in the response?

Rev. 5:8-10; 13; 14:1-3; Ps. 87:7.

NoTE.—"As Jesus opens before them the riches of redemption, and the

amazing achievements in the great controversy with Satan, the hearts of the

ransomed thrill with more fervent devotion, and with more rapturous joy

they sweep the harps of gold; and ten thousand times ten thousand and

thousands of thousands of voices unite to swell the mighty chorus of praise."

—The Great Controversy,

page 678.

11.

What recognition will finally be accorded the Creator?

Rev. 21:3;

22:3.

12.

How many are invited to share in the privileges and bless-

ings of the new earth? Rev. 22:17.

Foreign-Language Lesson Quarterlies

Sabbath School Lesson Quarterlies

are now-available in nearly

all the European languages. The subscription rate is $1.00 a

year. For further information concerning

Quarterlies

in other

languages write your local Book and Bible House.

Order from your Book and Bible House.

[ 38 I

SABBATH-SCHOOL LESSONS FOR THE FIRST QUARTER

If you have not been provided with a senior

Lesson Quarterly

for the first

quarter of the new year, and you desire to follow the daily lesson-study plan,

the outline given below for the first lesson will be of help. The general topic

is "The Apostle Peter and His Epistles." Lesson 1, for January 5, is entitled

"The Conversion of Simon Peter." The memory verse is Matt. 16:16. The

Study Helps are

The Desire of Ages,

pages 132-143;

Education,

pages 88, 185,

186;

Steps to Christ,

chapter 1. The texts in answer to each question of

Lesson 1 are:

Ques. 1. John 1:42; 1:40; Mark

1:30.

Ques. 2. John 1:44; Mark 1:16.

Ques. 3. John 1:38-41.

Ques. 4. Luke 22:33 ; Mark 14:29;

Matt. 19:27; Mark 14:66-68;

Mark 14:70, 71.

Ques. 5. John 1:40-42.

Ques. 6. John 1:42.

Ques. 7. Matt. 16:13, 14.

Ques. 8. Matt. 16:15, 16.

Ques. 9. Matt. 16:17.

Ques. 10. Matt. 16:18 ; Deut. 32 :4 ;

1 Cor.'3:11; 10:4; Eph. 2:19-22.

Ques. 11. Matt. 16:18.

Ques. 12. Matt. 16:19.

THIRTEENTH SABBATH OFFERING

December 29, 1951—Inter-American Division

The Thirteenth Sabbath Offering overflow at the end of the third quarter

of 1949 amounted to $40,542.81. This splendid sum of money went to the

Inter-American Division to help to strengthen the work of three different

projects; namely, the Indian work in South Mexico and Guatemala, the

sanitarium-hospital enterprise in Puerto Rico, and the building of chapels in

the French West Indies.

The overflow from the offering received on December 29 this year will go

for two worthy projects in Inter-America—helping to replace some of the old

buildings of the West Indian Training College at Mandeville, Jamaica, and

adding a surgical wing to the Montemorelos Hospital in Mexico. The school

at Mandeville has been a great influence for good in training young people to

be workers in that territory, but the old buildings are falling apart, and unless

repairs and replacements are made the school must soon cease to function.

The need for a place to care for surgical patients at Montemorelos is equally

urgent. Let us exceed the offering overflow that was given to Inter-America

in 1949 by making this the greatest Thirteenth Sabbath Offering in the history

of the Sabbath school.

[ 39 ]

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